Australia to participate in Expo 2020 Dubai

Count us in: Australia prepares for Expo 2020 Dubai, UAE

As a longstanding friend and partner of the United Arab Emirates, Australia is preparing to participate in Expo 2020 Dubai to strengthen ties between the two countries and build on engagement in the region.

Australia’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai was jointly announced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Julie Bishop, and Minister for Trade, the Hon. Stephen Ciobo, in March 2018.

With an estimated 25 million visitors – 70 per cent of whom are anticipated to come from outside the UAE – Expo 2020 Dubai provides a global platform from which to showcase the very best of Australian ingenuity and innovation through our world-class services, education system and high-tech industries.

Expo 2020 Dubai will also provide a platform for Australia to demonstrate its credentials as a secure and stable destination for international investment.

Australia’s Commissioner General for Expo 2020 Dubai, Justin McGowan, said Australia was looking forward to the opportunities to promote itself on the world stage.

“We will work to make the most of Expo 2020 Dubai to promote two-way trade and investment by assisting Australian companies to capitalise on opportunities in the UAE and the region more broadly,” Mr McGowan said.

“As one of the world’s most stable economies and with nearly three decades of consecutive growth in GDP, Australia is excited to have the opportunity to be participating in the first world Expo to be held in the GCC and Middle East region.”

The UAE is investing more than USD 9.4 billion into Expo 2020 Dubai. Australian companies have already secured a number of contracts related to the event, including architectural and construction projects worth more than USD 100 million.

As Australia’s largest trade and investment partner in the Middle East, Mr McGowan noted Australia’s connections with the UAE are strong and growing. “An estimated 25,000 Australians live and work in the UAE. More than 350 Australian companies are represented. Hundreds of flights a week connect our two countries.”

Australia’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai was officially confirmed with the UAE Government by Australian Ambassador to the UAE, Arthur Spyrou, when he joined Emirates Minister of State and Managing Director for Expo 2020 Dubai, Her Excellency Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimy, in signing the Participants Agreement in April 2018.

“Expo 2020 Dubai will be a celebration of ingenuity and collaboration between nations from around the world that will have lasting impact on human progress”, Minister Al Hashimy said.

“Australia and the UAE already enjoy a close relationship, so we are delighted to welcome our friends to Expo 2020 and look forward to seeing the positive contribution that their participation will bring.”